Application Engineer

Application Engineer Turbocharger Systems

Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Department: Engineering Turbocharger Systems
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Reports To: Engineering Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and technically skilled Application Engineer to support the design, development, validation, and launch of turbocharger systems for automotive OEM customers. This position plays a key role in managing engineering projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring products meet customer specifications, performance requirements, and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background, experience within the automotive or powertrain industry, and the ability to manage multiple technical projects while maintaining effective communication with customers and engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Product Development

• Manage multiple turbocharger development projects, ensuring timelines, technical requirements, and project priorities are met.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop and recommend appropriate turbocharger designs based on customer specifications and performance requirements.
• Provide technical expertise related to internal combustion engines, air handling systems, and turbocharger applications.
• Support engineering design reviews, technical evaluations, and product development activities.
• Utilize engineering analysis, simulation tools, and technical data to support design decisions and product improvements.
• Assist with validation testing, troubleshoot technical concerns, and recommend corrective actions.

Project Management & Customer Support

• Lead cross-functional engineering teams to ensure project milestones, deliverables, and launch schedules are achieved.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for automotive OEM customers throughout the development process.
• Work closely with customers to understand technical requirements, resolve engineering challenges, and provide product recommendations.
• Coordinate engineering activities with domestic and international development and manufacturing teams.
• Provide on-site technical support at customer locations as needed.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, engineering reports, and technical investigation findings.

Testing, Validation & Product Launch

• Coordinate product launch activities using Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) principles.
• Support prototype development, product testing, and performance validation.
• Conduct post-test evaluations of developmental turbocharger components and assemblies.
• Perform mechanical teardown inspections, dimensional measurements, and technical assessments.
• Document testing results, identify potential design or performance concerns, and communicate findings to appropriate teams.
• Ensure engineering activities align with automotive industry quality standards and customer expectations.
• Support engineering data transfers, design documentation, and technical communications across global teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working for an automotive Tier 1 supplier or powertrain OEM.
• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience within an engineering or automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong theoretical understanding of internal combustion engines, air handling systems, and related control technologies.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 automotive quality management principles.
• Understanding of turbocharger design, development, and performance requirements.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Familiarity with Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies.
• Experience or working knowledge of 1D and 3D engineering simulation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with cross-functional and international engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software and mechanical design tools.
• IATF and OEM Experience
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles and automotive electronic control systems.
• Hands-on mechanical experience involving component assembly, testing, troubleshooting, or teardown analysis.
• Previous experience with turbocharger applications, testing, or product development.
• Experience supporting APQP processes and automotive product launches.
• Japanese language proficiency is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with international engineering and manufacturing operations.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel (20 %) occasionally to customer locations or other facilities as business needs require.
• Ability to work in both office and engineering/testing environments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally move throughout office or technical work areas.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 15 pounds.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented engineering professional who combines strong technical knowledge with effective project management and customer communication skills. This individual should be comfortable working in a fast-paced automotive environment, coordinating with global engineering teams, and taking owners